Stepping back out into the First District 

Like many who are fully vaccinated, I am slowly but surely (and safely) returning to in-person events and community gatherings, even though I am increasingly concerned by the resurgence of COVID, especially among those who remain unvaccinated. 

I have found Zoom to be a very effective tool for connection and collaboration throughout the pandemic; zoom has promoted easy communication with constituents throughout the district and County. But there is one feeling in particular that is difficult to replicate in the virtual world: celebration.

Many of us made due with virtual celebrations over the past 18 months, bridging the physical gaps between our social circles with technology and creativity. Some have foregone the idea of celebrating altogether, as we contended with the trauma and loss wrought by COVID-19. Without taking away from the space needed for this mourning, I believe there is always space, even a necessity, to turn towards joy, towards community, and towards healing, in celebration.

Glen Ellen Murals. In July, I attended two outdoor community gatherings in the First District. On Saturday, July 10th, I spoke at the unveiling of two new murals in Glen Ellen by the artist Maria de los Angeles. Our artist, who spent many of her formative years here in Sonoma County, immersed herself in the history of Glen Ellen to create two vibrant, intricate works that truly lit up the crowd the came to the unveiling. 

Some surveyed the murals from afar, taking in the full scale and incredible impact of the works. Others got up close, observing the work as a scavenger hunt. I am sure there are some interesting bits of Glen Ellen history woven into these pieces that this community will be finding in the coming months or even years. Whatever way you look at it, the murals have a physical presence – it was truly rewarding to be celebrate their unveiling amidst the community they have transformed in the way only art can.

I am so inspired by this young artist’s passion, voice, and willingness to give back. I believe that it is in times like these that art is perhaps most important, and most valuable. I have certainly seen more community interest in art, particularly public art, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Art like this can speak to our shared experience, and foster a communal spirit moving forward. This speaks to an eternal truth, that I believe, and I am sure de los Angeles also knows better than I, that art heals. 

I want to recognize Stephen and Holly Sorkin for their vision and the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art for identifying such a great artist for this project. Lastly and of course, above all, it was such an honor to see the artist, Maria De Los Angeles, herself. If you have not already, go out and take a look! 

At the unveiling I spoke of the need for healing – healing from our collective traumas of COVID, fires, smoke, power shutdowns, economic uncertainty.  Art Heals – beautiful public art, busking in our parks and streets, impromptu dancing – all help us to unwind, appreciate beauty, sound, talent.  My aspiration is to invite ideas from all of you to create a trail of public art, performances, celebrations throughout the Valley and the County.  Let me hear from you.

Boyes Bridge Reopening. Not every celebration is one you would expect. On Friday, July 16, I attended not a parade, not a wedding, but…a bridge reopening?

Humor aside, I was thrilled to be invited to cut the ribbon of the Boyes Boulevard Bridge alongside Transportation and Public Works Director Johannes Hoevertsz. To say that the bridge reopening was a long time coming for the neighbors who showed up would be an understatement. Nevertheless, I was so thrilled to see the incredible turnout of community members of all ages, on a bright warm day, taking in this new enhancement to their community – it was undoubtedly a celebration!

The Boyes Bridge needed to be replaced for seismic improvements, and began in the summer of 2019. It was a herculean effort by our Department of Transportation and Public Works to complete, and I must say that they, along with the contractor and everyone involved, did and incredible job. I can only imagine the challenge of adapting a complicated engineering project, with significant public impacts to a widely used thoroughfare, amidst a global pandemic. Even under these circumstances, the project was completed just three weeks after its initially projected completion date. Well done!

In his remarks, Director Hoevertsz shared that the bridge is built to last 100 years, which I’m sure was music to the ears of many neighbors who have so patiently and graciously dealt with the impacts of a closed bridge over the last two years. The bridge officially reopened to traffic last week, and I invite you to take a drive, a stroll, or a bike ride over if you have not already!

Like the Boyes Bridge, there are other bridges in my district that need to be replaced for safety reasons. Beginning in 2022, CalTrans will be working first to replace Hooker Creek Bridge near Agua Caliente, and then the Sonoma Creek Bridge near Kenwood. Additionally, the Department of Transportation and Public Works has been working since 2016 on plans to replace the bridge over Franz Creek on Franz Valley School Road on the northern edge of my district, and plans for the replacement of the Watmaugh Bridge are moving forward, a long time in the planning process. All of these projects we know will involve disruption to the neighbors during and even after construction—but making sure we have stable bridges that will not be destroyed in an earthquake is a vital safety issue. Expect more information about all of these upcoming bridge projects in future newsletters.

At both celebrations, I spoke to old friends I hadn’t seen in quite some time, and also met some new faces wanting to talk to me about issues in their community. While we continue to take precautions against COVID-19, I look forward to continuing to get out into the community, and meeting residents of the First District face-to-face. 

Area Redistricting Commission. Lastly, I wanted to note that the Board of Supervisors approved a 19-member Advisory Redistricting Commission (ARC), with the final appointments made this past Tuesday, July 20th. I am grateful for the many stellar community members that agreed to dedicate their time to this endeavor, including my two First District appointees, Socorro Shiels and Karen Weeks, and my two at-large appointees, Raymond Willett and Veronica Vences. The ARC will be hosting an opportunity to gather valuable input through a virtual public hearing on Monday, August 23, 2021 at 6:15 p.m.

Information on the ARC, future meetings, and the timeline of the work to come can be found on the county website here: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CAO/Policy-Grants-and-Special-Projects/2021-Redistricting/